WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Visitors to two Wisconsin Rapids parks can soon connect to the internet for free.

The Wisconsin Rapids City Council approved an agreement with Solarus Tuesday to start a 12-month trial to provide free wireless internet services to Veterans Memorial and Mead View parks. The service will be provided at no cost to the city, and residents will be able to access internet along the river from the Wood Trust building to the clock tower. The city will provide the power required to run the equipment.

Mayor Zach Vruwink said the agreement comes from efforts to put a greater emphasis on the riverfront and the downtown area in Wisconsin Rapids. The two parks were chosen because of their proximity to businesses in the downtown area, and events like Lunch by the River and Fourth of July celebrations that bring people to both parks.

The one-year trial will help Solarus and city leaders learn more about the need for public access to internet. People have Wi-Fi access at work, home, schools and libraries, Vruwink said, and leaders are interested in extending that access to public spaces like parks.

Solarus’ Sales Manager Lisa Stannis said the agreement combines the city’s interest in beautifying the riverfront with Solarus’ core values to keep the community connected. When the agreement expires, Solarus will re-evaluate and connect with people who used the service. After evaluating responses, Solarus and city leaders will decide whether to make changes or continue to provide internet in the parks.

Stannis said Solarus Media Shower subscribers will be able to visit the parks and log into the Wi-Fi with their account email and password. Subscribers will have unlimited access for free at the two park sites.

Non-subscribers will be able to access the internet once a week for a 30-minute session for free. When the time runs out, non-subscribers will see options to purchase more internet services.

A full day of internet will cost $2.99 plus tax. The service will run 24 hours from the time of purchase.

A three-day pass will cost $7.99 plus tax.

A 20-day pass will cost $29.99 plus tax.

Vruwink said the internet services will be available starting this week.